Those interested in what Sturgeon Bay's new public skatepark will look like now have the chance to view design plans.
The Sturgeon Bay Skatepark Initiative (SBSI) says the final design plans from Grindline Designs of Seattle, Washington are now on display at several locations around the city, including the Sturgeon Bay Park and Recreation Department on 14th Avenue, the YMCA on the corner of Michigan and Hwy 42/57, Glas the Green Coffee House at 67 E. Maple, and Baylake Bank, 217 N. 4th Avenue.
"We’re thrilled to have the plan in hand and to see that everything we hoped for has been incorporated," says skater and Initiative co-chair Matt Young. "We’ve met several times in person and on the phone with Grindline. We had a public meeting for input and the kids have been involved every step of the way in formulating this park. It’s really their park."
The park was designed to accommodate skaters of every level, with elements to encourage the youngest beginners. It also has features to challenge seasoned skaters. "The bowl in the Sturgeon Bay Skatepark pays homage to the legendary Turf Skatepark Clover Bowl in Milwaukee, which drew skaters from around the country until it was demolished in the early 90’s," says Micah Shapiro, lead designer of Grindline. "It’s a bowl people love to skate."
Grindline is one of the country’s most respected, creative and prolific skatepark designers and builders. The firm has completed projects in places as diverse as Anchorage, Alaska and Maui, Hawaii, Israel, Japan, Ohio and Indiana. The Sturgeon Bay Skatepark will be the first Grindline park in Wisconsin.
Grindline Design’s final construction costs for the park are estimated to be $550,000. Laurel Hauser, SBSI co-chair, says the figure is what the group expected and that fundraising efforts are off to a good start. “We’ve been visiting businesses and individual donors and have done group fundraising efforts such as working for the DC Triathlon, holding dances and hot dog sales and holding a very successful Art Auction. The kids and adults involved have been working really hard.”
Thanks in part to a large donation from Door County Skate and other efforts, the group exceeded what was needed to hire professional design services. "Now that we have final plans and budget figures in place, we’ll be applying for grants and stepping up our fundraising efforts," says Hauser. "Our goal is to break ground early next spring. We encourage anyone interested in kids and healthy activities for kids to contribute."
The Sturgeon Bay Skatepark will be located on the city’s west side at the corner of Madison and Spruce Streets and will be operated and maintained by the City of Sturgeon Bay Parks and Recreation Department. It will be open to the public at no charge from dawn to dusk. In addition to skateboarders, the park will welcome inline skaters and BMX bikers.
For more information about SBSI, contact co-chairs Matt Dixner Young (920-559-6880) or Laurel Hauser (920-493-0572). SBSI is a fund of the Door County Community Foundation. Donations may be sent to the Skatepark Fund, c/o DCCF, P.O. Box 802, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235.
